Footage showing the Complainant, Mr Chris Ngcobo, who was previously head of the Johannesburg 
Metro Police and is currently security adviser to the Mayor of Johannesburg, was recently again broadcast in a news story that in fact referred to his namesake, General Chris Ngcobo, acting head of the Police’s crime intelligence unit. The latter was placed on special leave this year owing to concerns raised in regard to his qualifications. The Respondent conceded the error and informed us that steps had been taken earlier this year to ensure that this error was not repeated. Indeed, an apology had been sent to the Complainant. However, an administrative error led to this unfortunate mistake being repeated in October.
Held that this contravention amounted to a serious contravention of the Subscription Broadcasting Code and that, as conceded by the Broadcaster, it was attributable to gross negligence of the broadcaster.
The BCCSA directed that the following be implemented by the Respondent:
- That an apology with a photo of the Complainant be broadcast on two 19:00 news broadcasts within the first five minutes before 31 December 2014.
- That a fine of R20 000 be paid.